'Ex-PKI members too old to stand for the elections'
The Constitutional Court recently reinstated the rights of former members of the banned Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) and their relatives to run in future legislative elections. Shortly before this, the General Elections Commission banned some legislative candidates from standing as candidates because they were reportedly linked to the PKI. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents on their thoughts about this issue.
Danny Wicaksono, 27, is a photojournalist. He lives on Jl. Brawijaya, South Jakarta:
I don't think there would be any problems in allowing former PKI members to vote or be elected in the general elections, especially those who were just inactive members or distant relatives of PKI members.
And even if they were previously active members or prominent figures of PKI, wouldn't they be too old to stand by now?
Age matters if you run in the elections, whether you're a former PKI member or not.
These elderly people should just retire and spend their days with their grandchildren, rather than becoming legislators and getting caught nodding off on the people's time -- like the other lazy members who should be purged from the House.
Syahrial, 27, is an IT consultant. He lives in Bendungan Hilir, Central Jakarta:
Does the new ruling refer to the newly reemerging communist sympathizers, or just former PKI members?
If it refers to the new sympathizers, than we have to weigh up their vision for Indonesia -- will it be for better or for worse. I think their vision is OK, as long as they maintain their allegiance to Indonesia and contribute to its betterment.
If the ruling refers to the former PKI members, I think they are already to old anyway, so that's fine as well. We'll just see if anyone votes for them.
The main point here is that the upcoming general elections should be held in a truly democratic and non-discriminatory fashion, in the sense that they are conducted fairly.
If this happens, it will not matter who votes and who runs for office.
--The Jakarta Post